Connector assembly with grounding

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly (10) is disclosed in which a connector part (12) and a cable manager part (20) are provided. The cable manager part (20) can be provided with a rear housing (40), a lacing fixture part (30), and a grounding part (50). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) provides grounding contact between an inserted cable (4) and the connector part (12). In one aspect, the grounding part (50) secures the connector part (12) to the rear housing part (40). In one example, a connector assembly (110) is provided with a grounding arrangement (150) including a plurality of deflectable grounding members (152) and provides grounding contact between the inserted cable (4) and the connector part (112). In one aspect, the grounding members (152) each provide two points of contact against the cable (4).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed on Aug. 4, 2017 as a PCT InternationalPatent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/375,269, filed on Aug. 15, 2016, and claims the benefit ofU.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/375,260, filed on Aug. 15, 2016, andclaims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/521,952, filedon Jun. 19, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Electrical connectors are useful for providing a connection point fortelecommunications systems. For example, RJ-type connectors can beprovided as wall sockets wherein electronic data cables are terminatedand mating electrical plugs can be inserted into the sockets.Frequently, this termination process occurs in the field and at theactual location where the cables to be attached to the connectors arebeing installed. In such instances, it is often necessary to provide agrounding connection between the cable and its attached connector.

SUMMARY

A connector assembly is disclosed. Connector assemblies including agrounding component are disclosed. The disclosed connector assembliesprovide for a compact cable clamp/shield connection method that canaccommodate a large range of cable sizes. For example, the disclosedclamp can accommodate cables ranging from 4.6 to 9.0 mm. Another featureof the disclosed assemblies is that all parts of the grounding featuresare inboard of the sides of the connector assembly or jack such that noprotrusions exist. As the connector assemblies or jacks are to be usedin high density applications, where in some cases they are mounted sideby side and or back to back, any protrusions from a clamp outside theconnector assembly bodies would prevent this configuration.

In one example, a connector assembly is disclosed including a connectorpart defining a front housing having a jack cavity and a cable managerpart having a rear housing and a grounding part. The rear housingdefines a central aperture through which a cable having an exposedconductive element can extend. The grounding part secures the rearhousing to the front housing and provides grounding contact between thecable conductive element and the connector part. In one example, thecable manager part includes a lacing fixture part securing individualwires of the cable terminated to the connector part that is securedbetween the grounding part and the front housing.

A method for assembling a connector assembly is also disclosed thatincludes the steps of: providing a connector part defining a fronthousing having a jack cavity; providing a cable manager part including arear housing and a grounding part, the grounding part being forproviding a grounding connection between a sheath of an inserted cableand the connector part; securing the grounding part to the rear housing;and securing the grounding part to the front housing such that the fronthousing is secured to the rear housing.

In one example, a connector assembly is disclosed including a connectorpart defining a front housing having a jack cavity and a cable managerpart having a rear housing and a grounding arrangement. The rear housingdefines a central aperture through which a cable having an exposedconductive element can extend. The grounding arrangement is secured tothe end wall of the rear housing and includes a plurality of deflectableflange members extending across the central aperture. The flange membersare arranged to provide a spring force against the cable and groundingcontact between the cable conductive element and the connector part.

A method for assembling a connector assembly is also disclosed thatincludes the steps of: providing a connector part defining a fronthousing having a jack cavity; providing a cable manager part including arear housing and a grounding arrangement including a plurality ofseparate grounding members, the grounding arrangement being forproviding a grounding connection between a sheath of an inserted cableand the connector part; securing each of the grounding members to an endwall the rear housing; and securing the front housing to the rearhousing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout thevarious views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunications connector having aconnector part and a cable manager part that are examples of aspects inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a first side view of the telecommunications connector shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a second side view of the telecommunications connector shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the telecommunicationsconnector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the telecommunicationsconnector shown in FIG. 1, with a cable inserted into the connector.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the telecommunicationsconnector shown in FIG. 1, with the cable manager part being shown asseparated from the connector part.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the telecommunicationsconnector shown in FIG. 1, with the cable manager part being shown asseparated from the connector part, and with a rear housing, groundingpart, and lacing fixture of the cable manager part being separated.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the connector part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a first side view of the connector part shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a second side view of the connector part shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the connector part shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the connector part shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rear housing of the cable managerpart shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a second side view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a third side view of the rear housing shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of a lacing fixture of the cablemanager part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is front perspective view of the lacing fixture shown in FIG.18.

FIG. 20 is a first side view of the lacing fixture shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a second view of the lacing fixture shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the lacing fixture shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the lacing fixture shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a grounding part of the cable managerpart shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the grounding part shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a first side view of the grounding part shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a second side view of the grounding part shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the front housing part, latch member, andcover assembly of the cable manager part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is a rear-bottom perspective view of the front housing partshown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a front-bottom perspective view of the front housing partshown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the front housing part shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the front housing part shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 38 is a rear view of the latch member shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.28.

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.39.

FIG. 41 is a front view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a rear view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.39, taken along the line 43-43 in FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a side view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 39.

FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of a second example of a coverassembly suitable for use with the front housing part shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.45.

FIG. 47 is a front view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 48 is a rear view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly shown in FIG.45, taken along the line 49-49 in FIG. 47.

FIG. 50 is a side view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 45.

FIG. 51 is a schematic perspective view of a cable inserted into thecable manager part shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 52 is a schematic perspective view of the cable shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 53 is a first perspective view of a connector part usable in anassembly of the type shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 54 is a second perspective view of the connector part shown in FIG.53.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a cable manager part usable with theconnector part shown in FIG. 53, with a cable inserted partially therethrough.

FIG. 56 is a second perspective view of the cable manager part and cableshown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a front end view of the cable manager part and cable shown inFIG. 55.

FIG. 58 is a rear end view of the cable manager part and cable shown inFIG. 55.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional of the cable manager part and cable shownin FIG. 55, taken along the line 59, 60 in FIG. 58, with the cable beingpartially inserted.

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional of the cable manager part and cable shownin FIG. 55, taken along the line 59, 60 in FIG. 58, with the cable beingfully inserted.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a grounding arrangement of the cablemanager part shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 62 is a top view of the grounding arrangement shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a side view of the grounding arrangement shown in FIG. 62

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

A telecommunications connector 10 for grounded connection with a cable 4having a conductive element 5 and a plurality of wires 6 is shown. Oneexample of a suitable cable 4 is shown at FIG. 29. As used herein, term“conductive element” is defined as including any type of conductiveelement, shield, or sheath disposed over the cable jacket, includingmetal braids, meshes, foils, drain wires, and combinations thereof. Inone example, the cable 4 includes a plurality of insulated copper wires6, for example, four sets of twisted wire pairs, while the connectors 10are modular or RJ-type connectors.

As shown, the telecommunications connector 10 has a connector part 12that mates to a cable manager part 20, each of which includes furthersubassemblies. As shown, the connector part 12 includes a jack cavity 14for receiving a corresponding plug (not shown). A cover assembly 100having a rotatable dust cover 90 is shown as providing selective accessto the jack cavity 14, as discussed in more detail later. The connectorpart 12 can include a plurality of electrical contact members orconductors 16 for which electrical connection to the wires 6 will bemade through a termination and connection process. As shown, theconnector part 12 is configured with a front housing 18 havingconductive sidewalls 18 a (18 a 1, 18 a 2) which are formed from aconductive material, such as a metal material. In one aspect, one ormore of the sidewalls 18 a can define a respective recess portion 18 b.As shown, two recess portions 18 b (18 b 1, 18 b 2) are provided. Therecess portions 18 b receive and connect to portions of the connectorpart 20, such that conductive contact is established between the cablemanager part 20 and the sidewalls 18 a of the connector part fronthousing 18. Accordingly, the connector 10 is grounded to the cableconductive element 5 via the cable manager part 20 and the sidewalls 18a of the connector part 12.

In one aspect, the connector part front housing 18 is provided cuttingedges 18 c which are designed to cut the wires 6 of the cable 4 duringthe termination process. One example of a suitable termination processand connector part is shown and described in Spain patent applicationP201530417, entitled Connector Assembly with Grounding Spring and filedon 27 Mar. 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Another example of a suitable termination process and connectorpart is shown and described in Spain patent application P201531199,entitled Connector Assembly with Grounding Spring Clamp and filed on 13Aug. 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In one aspect, the cable manager part 20 can be further provided with alacing fixture 30, a rear housing 40, and a grounding part 50. Asconfigured, the grounding part 50 latches and secures the connector partfront housing 18 to the rear housing part 40 such that the lacingfixture is clamped therebetween.

The grounding part 50 is shown in isolation at FIGS. 24-27. Aspresented, the grounding part 50 is provided with and end wall 50 awhich defines an aperture 50 b. A plurality of flange members 50 cextends from the end wall 50 a towards the center of the aperture. Asshown, each of the flange members 50 c includes a main portion 50 dextending from a base end 50 e proximate the end wall 50 a to a tipportion 50 f Each of the flange member main portions 50 d extend at afirst angle a1 away from the end wall 50 a at the base portion 50 ewhile the tip portion 50 f extends at a second angle a2 relative to thebase portion 50 e. As shown, the first angle a1 is about 44 degreeswhile the second angle a2 is about 60 degrees. Other angles arepossible. The main portions 50 d are disposed at the first angle a1 tofacilitate insertion of the cable 4 while providing the optimal springforce against the cable sheath 5. The tip portions 50 f are bent to thesecond angle a2 so that the flange members 50 c do not present a sharpedge against the cable sheath 5 as it is passing by the flange members50 c, which also facilitates removal of the cable after insertion. Inone embodiment, the grounding part 50 is formed from a metal material,such as stainless steel or a copper alloy.

The grounding part 50 can also be provided with sidewalls 52 a, 52 b, 52c, 52 d, and with arm extensions 52 e, 52 f, each of which extends fromthe end wall 50 a. As shown, the sidewalls 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d extendgenerally orthogonally from the end wall 50 a while the arm extensions52 e, 52 f extend at a slight oblique angle a3 to facilitate insertionof the grounding part 50 into the rear housing 40. The sidewalls 52 a,52 b are respectively provided with bent portions or tabs 54 a, 54 b and54 c, 54 d that serve as latches that engage with corresponding recessportions 44 a, 44 b and 44 c, 44 d of the rear housing 40. The extensionarms 52 e, 52 f are provided with bent portions or tabs 54 e, 54 f thatalso engage with recess portions 44 e, 44 f of the rear housing 40. Theextension arms 52 e, 52 f are further provided with bent portions ortabs 54 g, 54 h and with orthogonal flange portions 54 i, 54 j. The tabs54 g, 54 h engage with recess portions 18 d, 18 e of the front housing18. The flange portions 54 i, 54 j extend orthogonally intocorresponding slots or recesses 44 h, 44 g in the rear housing part 40and into slots or recesses 18 f, 18 g in the front housing 18 so thatwhen an attempt is made to separate the front housing 18 from the rearhousing 40, there is a shear effect acting on the flange 54 i, 54 j.Thus, the flanges 54 i, 54 j provides increased retention force, sinceany removal force would be applied against the flanges 54 i, 54 j in ashear force condition. The angled tabs or latches 54 g, 54 h act as ameans of deflection so that the locking flanges 54 i, 54 j are deflectedto allow for the wall of the rear housing part 40 to run past beforelocking into the slots 18 d, 18 e.

The rear housing 40 is shown in isolation at FIGS. 13-17. The rearhousing includes an end wall 40 a defining a central aperture 40 b. Therear housing also includes sidewalls 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, and 42 d whichextend from the end wall 40 a. Together, the sidewalls 42 a-42 d and theend wall 40 a form an interior cavity into which the grounding part 50is received. The grounding part 50 is received by the rear housing 40such that the end walls 40 a and 50 a are adjacent and such that thecentral apertures 40 b and 50 b are coaxially aligned. As statedpreviously, the grounding part 50 is secured to the housing part 40 viatabs 54 a, 54 b, 54 e which respectively latch into recesses 44 a, 44 b,44 e in the sidewall 42 a of the housing part 40 and via tabs 54 c, 54d, 54 f which respectively latch into recesses 44 c, 44 d, 44 f in thesidewall 42 b of the housing part 40.

The rear housing 40 is also shown as including projecting sidewalls 42e, 42 f which respectively extend from sidewalls 42 a, 42 b. In oneaspect, the connector part 12 and the cable manager part sidewalls 42 e,42 f may be configured in a complementary manner, so that the connectorpart 12 is able to engage with the cable manager part 20 only in oneorientation. For example, the recess portion 18 b 1 on one side of thefront housing 18 may be configured with a different size and/or shapethan the recess portion 18 b 2 on the opposite side of the front housing18. As can be seen at FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear housing 40 is providedwith a pair of projecting sidewalls 42 e, 42 f that are respectivelyreceived into the recess portions 18 b 1, 18 b 2. Each of the projectingsidewalls 42 e, 42 f is provided with a different shape corresponding tothe recess portion 18 b 1, 18 b 2 into which it is intended to bereceived within. Accordingly, the rear housing 40 can only be fullyengaged and connected to the front housing 18 in only a singleorientation.

Once the grounding part 50 is received and secured to the rear housing40, the lacing fixture part 30 can be received by the rear housing 40.As shown, the lacing fixture part 30 includes a lacing fixture orstructure 32, a pair of sidewalls 34 a, 34 b, and a perimeter wallstructure 36. The lacing fixture 32 and perimeter wall structure 36define a central aperture 30 a that, once the lacing fixture part 30 isinstalled, is coaxially aligned with central apertures 40 b and 50 b.The sidewalls 34 a, 34 b and the perimeter wall structure 36 each extendfrom the lacing structure 32. The lacing structure 32 functions to placethe wires 6 in the appropriate orientation for termination. An examplelacing structure 32 suitable for use with the lacing fixture part 50disclosed herein can be found in Spain patent application P201530372entitled Connector with Separable Lacing Fixture and filed on 20 Mar.2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. As canbe most easily seen at FIG. 4, the perimeter wall structure 36 receivesthe flange members 50 c. The perimeter wall structure 36 supports theflange members 50 c within recessed portions 36 a when the flangemembers 50 c are deflected sufficiently by an inserted cable 4. The endsof the sidewalls 34 a, 34 b and the perimeter wall structure 35 engageagainst the grounding part end wall 50 a such that, when a cable 4 isinserted, the flange members 50 c deflect relative to the end wall 50 a.FIG. 5 shows a cable 4 inserted into the cable manager part 20 such thatthe flange members 50 c are deflected towards and partially into therecessed portions 36 a with the ends of the sidewalls 34 a, 34 b andperimeter wall structure 36 engaging against the grounding part end wall50 a.

The assembled cable manager part 20 with the lacing fixture part 30 andgrounding part 50 mounted to the rear housing 40 can be seen at FIG. 6.At this stage, the cable manager part 20 can be secured to the connectorpart 12. As noted above, this is accomplished by aligning the cablemanager part sidewalls 42 e, 42 f with the corresponding recess 18 b 1,18 b 2 on the front housing 18. As the two components 12, 20 are broughttogether, the tabs 54 g, 54 h respectively latch into recesses 18 d, 18e in the sidewalls 18 a 1, 18 a 2. Because the grounding part 50 islatched to the rear housing 40, this final latching secures the rearhousing 40 to the front housing 18 with the lacing fixture part 30sandwiched between. To further aid in retaining the rear housing 40 tothe front housing 18, the front housing 18 can be provided with recesses18 i, 18 j which receive corresponding protrusions 44 i, 44 j on therear housing part 40 such that a snap-fit type connection is achieved.This feature provides increased retention force between the two housings18, 40. Once the cable manager part 20 is fully assembled onto the fronthousing 18 and the termination process is complete, portions 32 a, 32 b,and 32 c of the lacing fixture 30 are removed such that the lacingfixture 30 does not extend beyond the outer profile defined by the fronthousing 18. FIGS. 1-5 show the lacing fixture 30 with the portions 32 a,32 b, 32 c removed.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that a gap 60 is formedbetween the housings 18, 40, after assembly, such that a portion of theextension arms 52 e 52 f, is exposed. This gap 60 serves as access todeflect the latch using the flat blade of a screwdriver to deflect theextension arms 52 e, 52 f by inserting and twisting the blade. Thisaction causes the tabs 54 g, 54 h to be disengaged from recesses 44 g,44 h, thereby allowing for removal of the rear assembly forre-termination. Material of the lacing fixture 30 rests behind the lowerpart of the extension arms 52 e, 52 f and prevents the latches 54 e, 54f from becoming separated from the rear housing during this action.

In one aspect, the disclosed cable manager part 20 can accommodate avariety of differently sized cables 4. For example, cables 4 rangingbetween 4.6 millimeters to 9 millimeters in diameter can be accepted andgrounded by the same cable manager part. Additionally, no active stepsare required on the part of the installer to ground the cable to theconnector assembly 10 once the cable 4 is properly stripped and insertedinto the cable manager part. This is in contrast to other designs wherea clamp must be actively opened or closed by the installer duringinsertion.

With reference to the exploded view in FIG. 28, the front housing part18 of the connector assembly 10, a latch member 70 connectable to thefront housing part 18, and a cover assembly 100 also connectable to thefront housing part 18 are shown. FIGS. 29-32 additionally show theisolated front housing part 18. The front housing part 18 is providedwith several features that enable the latch member 70 and cover assembly100 to be connected to the front housing part 18. For example, the fronthousing part 18 is provided with a pair of recessed regions 18 k definedby sidewalls 18 m that is recessed from the main sidewalls 18 a 1, 18 a2 and a latching protrusion 18 n extending from each sidewall 18 m. Thefront housing part 18 includes a perimeter wall 18 p and a plurality ofraised structures 18 q, 18 r, 18 s that cooperatively receive the coverassembly 100 in sliding or press-fit manner. The front housing part 18additionally includes a latch recess 18 t for retaining the coverassembly 100 onto the front housing part 18.

Referring to FIGS. 33 to 38, the latch member 70 is shown in isolation.In one aspect, the latch member 70 can be removably attached to thefront housing part 18. The latch member 70 is for securing the connectorassembly 10 within an opening of a connector panel. In one example, thelatch member 70 is a unitary structure formed from a metal material,such as steel. A plastic material may also be used, although metal ispreferred due to more suitable strength and flexibility properties, andbecause metal allows the latch member 70 to be made from a relativelythin material. Where metal is used, the latch member 70 can also serveto provide a grounding pathway.

As most easily seen at FIGS. 33-38, the latch member 70 can be providedwith a first portion 72 and a second portion 74 that are joined by athird portion 76. As presented, the third portion 76 is curved orrepresents a bent portion of the latch member 70 such that the thirdportion 76 enables the latch member to perform a spring function. Asshown, the third portion 76 holds the first portion 72 at an non-zeroangle with respect to the second portion 74.

In one aspect, the first portion 72 extends to a free end 72 a andincludes a pair of locking rib structures 78, wherein each of thelocking ribs includes a first rib 78 a and a spaced apart second rib 78b. The locking rib structures 78 are for engaging with the connectorpanel. Once installed, the first ribs 78 a engage a front side of theconnector panel while the second ribs 78 b engage a back side of theconnector panel such that the connector assembly 10 is locked in placeinto the opening of the connector panel. An example connector panel anda latch member with overlapping features with latch member 70 is shownand described in PCT Publication WO 2016/156644, the entirety of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

In another aspect, the second portion 74 includes a retention structure80. The retention structure 80 is for providing a secure connectionbetween the latch member 70 and the front housing part 18 of theconnector assembly 10. As shown, the retention structure 80 includes apair of tabs 82 extending generally orthogonally from the latch membersecond portion 74. In one aspect, the tabs 82 are shaped to fit withinthe recess regions 18 k defined in the front housing part 18 (i.e. theprofiles of the tabs 82 and recessed regions 18 k match or the profileof the tabs 82 is smaller than that of the recessed regions 18 k). Therecess regions 18 k are generally of a depth that matches a thickness ofthe tabs 82. Accordingly, once the latch member 80 is installed onto thefront housing part 18, a flush configuration results in which the tabs82 do not extend past the sidewall surfaces 18 a 1, 18 a 2 of thehousing part 18. In one aspect, the tabs 82 define an open region 84 forreceiving the latching protrusion 18 t on the front housing part 18.This arrangement facilitates a snap-fit type of connection between thelatch member 70 and the front housing part 18. As with other similartypes of connections described herein, the latch member 70 could beprovided with protrusions similar to protrusions 18 t while the fronthousing part 18 could be provided with recesses similar to open regions84.

Referring to FIGS. 39-44, the cover assembly 100 is shown in isolation.As shown, the cover assembly 100 includes an outer perimeter wall 102that extends to an end wall 104 having an aperture 104 a that provideaccess to the jack cavity 14. The outer perimeter wall 102 is configuredto slide over the perimeter wall 18 p of the front housing part 18 andbetween the raised structures 18 q, 18 r, 18 s. The outer perimeter wall102 is provided at a thickness that is the same as the raised structures18 q, 18 r, 18 s, thereby enabling the cover assembly 100 outer profileto match that of the front housing part 18. A latch extension 106 isalso provided that includes a latch member 106 a that engages with thelatch recess 18 t of the front housing part 18. This configurationallows for the cover assembly 100 to form a secure, snap-fit type ofconnection with the front housing part 18.

In one aspect, the cover assembly 100 includes a pair of female hingemembers 108 extending from the end wall 104. The female hinge members108 receive a male hinge member 96 on a cover portion 90 of the coverassembly 100 such that the cover portion 90 can rotate between open andclosed positions. In the open position, the cover portion 90 providesaccess to the jack cavity 14. In the closed position, the cover portion90 acts as a dust cover for the jack cavity 14. As shown, the coverportion 90 includes a handle 92 for aiding an operator to digitallymanipulate the position of the cover portion 90. The cover portion 90 isalso shown as having a pair of protrusions 94 on the opposite side fromthe handle 92. The protrusions 94 engage interior portions of the jackcavity 14 in a frictional manner to aid in retaining the cover portion90 in the closed position.

Referring to FIGS. 45-50, a cap 100′ is shown that is largely identicalto the cover assembly 100. Accordingly, similar features need not berepeated here. The cap 100′ is different from the cover assembly 100 inthat a cover portion 90 is not provided, thereby leaving the jackreceptacle 14 exposed through the opening 104′ of the cap 100′. Thus,the cap 100′ is also not provided with the female hinge members that arepresent on the cover assembly 100. Where it is desired to add a coverportion to the cap 100′, a recess 108′ is provided to receive and securean extension portion of a removable cover portion.

An alternative configuration for a connector assembly 110 including aconnector part 112, a cable manager part 120, and grounding arrangement150 is illustrated at FIGS. 53 to 63. The connector part 112 isgenerally similar to connector part 12 and like reference numbers (e.g.112 instead of 12) are therefore used for the same features. In oneaspect, the cable manager part 120 is provided with a rear housing 140to which the grounding arrangement 150 is attached. The groundingarrangement 150 makes grounding contact with the cable sheath 5 suchthat grounding contact is established between the rear housing 140 andthe sheath 5. The cable manager part 120 is in grounding contact withthe connector part 112. Accordingly, the grounding arrangement 150operates to facilitate grounding contact between the sheath 5 and theconnector part 112 as can be seen at FIG. 60.

The grounding arrangement 150 is shown in isolation at FIGS. 61 to 63.In the example shown, the grounding arrangement 150 is formed by aplurality of grounding members 152 arranged to form a central opening150 a through which the cable 4 can be inserted. Each grounding member152 is shown as being provided with a pair of mounting members 154having a base portion 154 a with an aperture 154 b. The groundingmembers 152 can be secured to the rear housing 140 via the apertures 154b with separate fasteners or with material of the rear housing 140extending through the apertures 154 b. Each grounding member 152 is alsoprovided with a sidewall member 156 extending from a first end 156 a,proximate the mounting members 154, to second end 156 b. As shown, thesecond end 156 b is provided with an outwardly radiused or curvedprofile to ensure that the cable 4 is not presented to a sharp edge whenbeing inserted past the second end 156 b and in a direction towards thecentral opening 150 a. Each of the grounding members 152 is also shownas being provided with a flange member 158 extending away from themounting member 154 and sidewall member 156. The flange member 158 isshown as extending from a base end 158 a adjacent the sidewall memberfirst end 156 a to a second end 158 b. As shown, the second end 158 b isprovided with an outwardly radiused or curved profile to ensure that thecable 4 is not presented to a sharp edge when being removed from thegrounding arrangement. The flange member 158 extends at an oblique anglefrom the base end 158 a (and at an oblique angle to the longitudinalaxis X of the grounding arrangement 150 and cable manager part 20)towards the central opening 150 a such that contact with the cablesheath 5 is made when a cable 4 is inserted. The flange members 158deflect away from the central opening 150 a when a cable 4 is insertedand maintain contact against the sheath 5 by virtue of a resultingspring force of the grounding arrangement 150. With the discloseddesign, a variety of oblique entry angles (i.e. oblique angle betweenlongitudinal axis of the cable 4 and the longitudinal axis X of thegrounding arrangement 150 extending through the center of the opening50) of the cable 4 can be accommodated by virtue of the grounding membersidewall members 156 being initially larger than the diameter of thecable 4 up to the point that the end of the cable 4 contacts the flangemembers 158.

In one aspect, the grounding arrangement 150 can be formed from a metalmaterial, such as stainless steel or a copper alloy. Also, each of thegrounding members 152 can be formed from an initially flat sheet stockwhich can be cut and then bent into the shape shown in the drawings. Inan alternative embodiment, the grounding arrangement 150 can beintegrally formed with interconnected grounding members 152 rather thanby separate grounding members 152, as shown in the drawings.

As most easily seen at FIGS. 55-59, the rear housing 140 includes an endwall 140 a defining a central aperture 140 b. The rear housing alsoincludes sidewalls 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, and 142 d which extend from theend wall 140 a. Together, the sidewalls 142 a-142 d and the end wall 140a form an interior cavity into which the grounding arrangement 150 isreceived. The grounding arrangement 150 is mounted to the end wall 140 asuch that the central opening 150 a of the grounding arrangement 150 iscoaxially aligned with the central aperture 140 b. As configured, thebase portions 154 a of the grounding arrangement 150 are supportedagainst the rear housing end wall 140 a and are secured to the end wall140 a via protrusions 140 c extending from the end wall 140 a. Theprotrusions 140 c can be shaped for a snap-fit type connection with thebase portions 154 a or can be initially formed as posts which aredeformed to form a securing cap after the grounding arrangement 150 ismounted. Many other approaches for securing the grounding arrangement150 to the end wall 140 a are possible, for example, mechanicalfasteners, soldering, welding, and/or adhesives may be used.

The rear housing 140 is also shown as including projecting sidewalls 142e, 142 f which respectively extend from sidewalls 142 a, 142 b. In oneaspect, the connector part 112 and the cable manager part sidewalls 142e, 142 f may be configured in a complementary manner, so that theconnector part 112 is able to engage with the cable manager part 120only in one orientation. For example, the recess portion 118 b 1 on oneside of the front housing 118 may be configured with a different sizeand/or shape than the recess portion 118 b 2 on the opposite side of thefront housing 118. As can be seen at FIGS. 55 and 56, each of theprojecting sidewalls 142 e, 142 f is provided with a different shapecorresponding to the recess portion 118 b 1, 118 b 2 into which it isintended to be received within. Accordingly, the rear housing 140 canonly be fully engaged and connected to the front housing 118 in only asingle orientation. To aid in retaining the rear housing 140 to thefront housing 118, the front housing 118 can be provided with recesses118 d, 118 e which receive corresponding protrusions 144 a, 144 b on therear housing part 140 such that a snap-fit type connection is achieved.

The assembled cable manager part 120 with the grounding arrangement 150mounted to the rear housing 140 can be seen at FIGS. 55-60. At thisstage, the cable manager part 120 can be secured to the connector part112. As noted above, this is accomplished by aligning the cable managerpart sidewalls 142 e, 142 f with the corresponding recess 118 b 1, 118 b2 on the front housing 118. As the two components 112, 120 are broughttogether, the protrusions 144 a, 144 b respectively engage with recesses118 d, 118 e to secure the front and rear housings 118, 140 together.Because the grounding arrangement 150 is secured to the rear housing140, the securement of the rear housing 140 to the front housingprovides a grounding pathway between the grounding arrangement 150 andthe front housing 118.

Referring to FIGS. 59 and 60, the assembled cable manager part 120 isshown with a cable 4 being inserted in an insertion direction D1 throughthe central aperture 140 b of the rear housing 140 and central opening150 a of the grounding arrangement 150. At FIG. 59 (see also FIG. 55),the cable 4 has been inserted up to the point that the flange members158 contact the end of the outer jacket and exposed sheath 5 of thecable 4. By this position of the cable 4, the individual wires 6, whichhave been stripped from the jacket and sheath 5, have passed through theopenings 140 b, 150 a. As the cable 4 is further inserted in directionD1, the cable 4 forces the flange members 158 to deflect away from thecentral opening 150 a and a resulting spring force holds the flangemembers 158 against the cable sheath 5. As can be best seen at FIG. 60,the deflection of the flange members 158 occurs by bending about thebase portions 154 a proximate the base end 158 a of the flange members158. As this bending occurs, the sidewall members 156 move with theflange members 158 such that their second ends 156 b are brought towardsthe central opening 150 a. As the cable 4 becomes fully inserted, thesecond ends 156 b are brought against the cable sheath 5 such that twopoints of grounding contact (i.e. ends 158 b, 156 b) between thegrounding members 152 and the sheath 15 is established. An additionalspring force between the sidewall members 156 and the flange members 158is created by virtue of resulting bending occurring between the sidewallmember 156 and the flange member 158 due to having two point of contact.This additional spring force further secures the cable 4 to the cablemanager part 120.

In one aspect, the disclosed cable manager part 120 can accept a cable 4having a variety of oblique entry angles. Additionally, no active stepsare required on the part of the installer to ground the cable to theconnector assembly 110 once the cable 4 is properly stripped andinserted into the cable manager part 120. This is in contrast to otherdesigns where a clamp must be actively opened or closed by the installerduring insertion. Many materials can be used for the components of thedisclosed connector assembly 10.

Many materials can be used for the components of the disclosed connectorassembly 10. For example, grounding part 50 can be formed from a metalmaterial, such as plated copper alloy, stainless steel, and/or zincdie-casting.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

PARTS LIST

-   4 cable-   5 conductive element/sheath-   6 wires or filaments-   10 connector assembly-   12 connector part-   14 jack cavity-   16 electrical conductors-   18 front housing-   18 a conductive sidewalls (18 a 1, 18 a 2)-   18 b recess portions (18 b 1, 18 b 2)-   18 c cutting edges-   18 d recess-   18 e recess-   18 f recess/slot-   18 g recess/slot-   18 i recess-   18 j recess-   18 k recess region-   18 m sidewall-   18 n latching protrusion-   18 p perimeter wall-   18 q raised structure-   18 r raised structure-   18 s raised structure-   18 t latch recess-   20 cable manager part-   30 lacing structure part-   30 a central aperture-   32 lacing structure-   32 a removable portion of lacing fixture-   32 b removable portion of lacing fixture-   32 c removable portion of lacing fixture-   34 a sidewall-   34 b sidewall-   36 perimeter wall structure-   36 a recess-   40 rear housing-   40 a end wall-   40 b central aperture-   42 a sidewall-   42 b sidewall-   42 c sidewall-   42 d sidewall-   42 e projecting sidewall-   42 f projecting sidewall-   44 a recess-   44 b recess-   44 c recess-   44 d recess-   44 e recess-   44 f recess-   44 g recess/slot-   44 h recess/slot-   44 i protrusion-   44 j protrusion-   50 grounding part-   50 a end wall-   50 b aperture-   50 c flange members-   50 d main portion-   50 e base end-   50 f tip portion-   52 a sidewall-   52 b sidewall-   52 c sidewall-   52 d sidewall-   52 e extension arm-   52 f extension arm-   54 a tab/latch-   54 a tab/latch-   54 b tab/latch-   54 c tab/latch-   54 d tab/latch-   54 e tab/latch-   54 f tab/latch-   54 g tab/latch-   54 h tab/latch-   54 i flange portion-   54 j flange portion-   60 gap-   70 latch member-   72 first portion-   72 a free end-   74 second portion-   76 third portion-   78 locking rib structure-   78 a first rib-   78 b second rib-   80 retention structure-   82 tabs-   84 open region-   90 cover portion-   92 handle-   94 protrusions-   96 male hinge member-   100 cover assembly-   102 perimeter wall-   104 end wall-   104 a aperture-   106 extension member-   106 a latch member-   108 female hinge members-   100′ cap-   102′ perimeter wall-   104′ end wall-   104 a′ aperture-   106′ extension member-   106 a′ latch member-   108′ recess-   110 connector assembly-   112 connector part-   114 jack cavity-   115 dust cover-   116 electrical conductors-   118 front housing-   118 a conductive sidewalls (18 a 1, 18 a 2)-   118 b recess portions (18 b 1, 18 b 2)-   118 c cutting edges-   120 cable manager part-   140 rear housing-   140 a end wall-   140 b central aperture-   142 a sidewall-   142 b sidewall-   142 c sidewall-   142 d sidewall-   142 e projecting sidewall-   142 f projecting sidewall-   144 a protrusion-   144 b protrusion-   150 grounding arrangement-   150 a central opening-   152 grounding member-   154 mounting member-   154 a base portion-   154 b aperture-   156 sidewall member-   156 a first end-   156 b second end-   158 flange member-   158 a base end-   158 b second end-   D1 insertion direction-   X longitudinal axis

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly (10) comprising: a. aconnector part (12) defining a front housing (18) having a jack cavity(14); b. a cable manager part (20) including: i. a rear housing (40)defining a central aperture (40 b) through which a cable (4) having anexposed conductive element (5) can extend; ii. a grounding part (50)securing the rear housing (40) to the front housing (18), the groundingpart (50) providing grounding contact between the cable conductiveelement (5) and the connector part (12).
 2. The connector assembly (10)of claim 1, wherein the grounding part (50) defines a central aperture(50 b) through which the cable (4) can extend.
 3. The connector assembly(10) of claim 2, wherein the grounding part (50) includes at least oneflange member (50 c) extending across the central aperture (50 b). 4.The connector assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the grounding part (50)includes four flange members (50 c).
 5. The connector assembly (10) ofclaim 3, wherein the at least one flange member (50 c) includes a mainportion (50 d) and a tip portion (50 f) extending at an oblique anglefrom the main portion (50 d).
 6. The connector assembly (10) of claim 1,wherein the grounding part (50) includes a first plurality of tabs (54h, 54 g) that engage with corresponding recesses (18 d, 18 e) of thefront housing (18).
 7. The connector assembly (10) of claim 6, whereinthe grounding part (50) includes a second plurality of tabs (54 a, 54 b,54 c, 54 d, 54 e, 54 f) that engage with corresponding recesses (44 a,44 b, 44 c, 44 d, 44 e, 44 f) of the rear housing (40).
 8. The connectorassembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the grounding part (50) includesflange portions (54 i, 54 j) extending orthogonally into recesses (18 f,18 g) of the front housing 18 and into recesses (44 g, 44 g) of the rearhousing (40) to further secure the front housing (18) to the rearhousing (40).
 9. The connector assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein thecable manager part (20) further includes a lacing fixture part (30)securing individual wires (6) of the cable (4) that are terminated tothe connector part (12).
 10. The connector assembly (10) of claim 9,wherein the lacing fixture part (30) includes a central aperture (30 a)coaxially aligned with the rear housing central aperture (40 b).
 11. Theconnector assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the lacing fixture partcentral aperture (30 a) is defined by a perimeter wall structure (36).12. The connector assembly (10) of claim 11, wherein the grounding part(50) includes at least one flange member (50 c) extending at leastpartially into an interior volume defined by the perimeter wallstructure (36).
 13. A connector assembly (10) comprising: a. a connectorpart (12) defining a front housing (18) having a jack cavity (14); andb. a cable manager part (20) including: i. a rear housing (40) defininga central aperture (40 b) through which a cable (4) having an exposedconductive element (5) can extend; ii. a grounding part (50) securingthe rear housing (40) to the front housing (18), the grounding part (50)providing grounding contact between the cable conductive element (5) andthe connector part (12); and iii. a lacing fixture part (30) securingindividual wires (6) of the cable (4) terminated to the connector part(12), the lacing fixture part (30) being secured between the groundingpart (50) and the front housing (18).
 14. The connector assembly (10) ofclaim 13, wherein the grounding part (50) defines a central aperture (50b) through which the cable (4) can extend.
 15. The connector assembly(10) of claim 14, wherein the grounding part (50) includes at least oneflange member (50 c) extending across the central aperture (50 b). 16.The connector assembly (10) of claim 15, wherein the grounding part (50)includes four flange members (50 c).
 17. The connector assembly (10) ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one flange member (50 c) includes a mainportion (50 d) and a tip portion (50 f) extending at an oblique anglefrom the main portion (50 d)
 18. The connector assembly (10) of claim13, wherein the grounding part (50) includes a first plurality of tabs(54 h, 54 g) that engage with corresponding recesses (18 d, 18 e) of thefront housing (18).
 19. The connector assembly (10) of claim 18, whereinthe grounding part (50) includes a second plurality of tabs (54 a, 54 b,54 c, 54 d, 54 e, 54 f) that engage with corresponding recesses (44 a,44 b, 44 c, 44 d, 44 e, 44 f) of the rear housing (40).
 20. Theconnector assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein the grounding part (50)includes flange portions (54 i, 54 j) extending orthogonally intorecesses (18 f, 18 g) of the front housing 18 and into recesses (44 g,44 g) of the rear housing to further secure the front housing (18) tothe rear housing (40).
 21. The connector assembly (10) of claim 14,wherein the lacing fixture part (30) includes a central aperture (30 a)coaxially aligned with the rear housing central aperture (40 b).
 22. Theconnector assembly (10) of claim 21, wherein the lacing fixture partcentral aperture (30 a) is defined by a perimeter wall structure (36).23. The connector assembly (10) of claim 22, wherein the grounding part(50) includes at least one flange member (50 c) extending at leastpartially into an interior volume defined by the perimeter wallstructure (36).
 24. The connector assembly (10) of claim 23, wherein thelacing fixture part perimeter wall structure (36) includes acorresponding recess (36 a) for each flange member (50 c) of thegrounding part (50).
 25. A method for assembling a connector assembly(10) including: a. providing a connector part (12) defining a fronthousing (18) having a jack cavity (14); b. providing a cable managerpart (20) including a rear housing (40) and a grounding part (50), thegrounding part (50) being for providing a grounding connection between asheath (5) of an inserted cable (4) and the connector part (12); c.securing the grounding part (50) to the rear housing (40); and d.securing the grounding part (50) to the front housing (18) such that thefront housing (18) is secured to the rear housing (40).
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein the step of securing the grounding part (50) to therear housing (40) includes latching one or more tabs on the groundingpart (50) within corresponding recesses in the rear housing (40). 27.The method of claim 26, wherein the step of securing the grounding part(50) to the front housing (18) includes latching one or more tabs on thegrounding part (50) within corresponding recesses in the front housing(18).
 28. A connector assembly (10) comprising: a. a connector part (12)defining a front housing (18) having a jack cavity (14) defining anouter perimeter; b. a cover assembly including a perimeter wall coverportion movable between an open position in which the jack cavity isexposed and a closed position in which the jack cavity is covered,wherein the cover assembly perimeter wall extends no further than thefront housing outer perimeter.
 29. The connector assembly of claim 28,wherein the cover assembly perimeter wall is flush with the fronthousing outer perimeter.
 30. The connector assembly of claim 28, furtherincluding a latch member connected to the front housing of the connectorpart, wherein the latch member is connected to side portions of thefront housing.
 31. The connector assembly of claim 30, wherein the latchmember is connected to the side portions of the front housing by a pairof tabs.
 32. The connector assembly of claim 30, wherein the latchmember tabs are flush with the front housing outer perimeter.
 33. Aconnector assembly (110) comprising: a. a connector part (112) defininga front housing (118) having a jack cavity (114); b. a cable managerpart (120) including: i. a rear housing (140) defining an end wall (140a) having a central aperture (140 b) through which a cable (4) having anexposed conductive element (5) can extend; ii. a grounding arrangement(150) secured to the end wall (140 a), the grounding arrangement (150)including a plurality of deflectable flange members (158) extendingacross the central aperture (140 b), the flange members (158) beingarranged to provide a spring force against the cable (4) and groundingcontact between the cable conductive element (5) and the connector part(112).
 34. The connector assembly (110) of claim 33, wherein thegrounding arrangement (150) includes a plurality of grounding members(152) arranged about the central aperture (140 b).
 35. The connectorassembly (110) of claim 33, wherein each of the grounding arrangements(150) includes a single flange member (158).
 36. The connector assembly(110) of claim 35, wherein each of the grounding arrangements (150)includes a sidewall member (156) connected to the flange member (158).37. The connector assembly (110) of claim 36, wherein each of thegrounding arrangements (150) includes at least one mounting member (154)securing the grounding member (152) to the rear housing end wall (140a).
 38. The connector assembly (110) of claim 37, wherein the flangemember (158) and the sidewall member (156) deflect about the mountingmember (154) when the cable (4) contacts the flange members (158). 39.The connector assembly (110) of claim 34, wherein the groundingarrangement (150) includes four grounding members (152).
 40. Theconnector assembly (110) of claim 33, wherein each of the plurality offlange members (158) extends between a first end (158 a) and a secondend (158 b), the second end (158 b) having a radiused profile.
 41. Theconnector assembly (110) of claim 35, wherein the flange member (158)extends at an oblique angle to the sidewall member (156).
 42. Theconnector assembly (110) of claim 35, wherein the sidewall member (156)is connected to the flange member (158) at a first end (156 a) andextends to a second end (156 b) having a radiused profile.
 43. A cablemanager part (120) for a connector assembly (110), the cable managerpart (120) including: i. a rear housing (140) defining an end wall (140a) having a central aperture (140 b) through which a cable (4) having anexposed conductive element (5) can extend; ii. a grounding arrangement(150) secured to the end wall (140 a), the grounding arrangement (150)including a plurality of deflectable flange members (158) extendingacross the central aperture (140 b), the flange members (158) beingarranged to provide a spring force against the cable (4) and groundingcontact between the cable conductive element (5) and the connector part(112).
 44. The cable manager part (20) of claim 43, wherein thegrounding arrangement (50) includes a plurality of grounding members(152) arranged about the central aperture (140 b).
 45. The cable managerpart (120) of claim 43, wherein each of the grounding arrangements (150)includes a single flange member (158).
 46. The cable manager part (120)of claim 45, wherein each of the grounding arrangements (150) includes asidewall member (156) connected to the flange member (158).
 47. Thecable manager part (120) of claim 46, wherein each of the groundingarrangements (150) includes at least one mounting member (154) securingthe grounding member (152) to the rear housing end wall (140 a).
 48. Thecable manager part (120) of claim 47, wherein the flange member (158)and the sidewall member (156) deflect about the mounting member (154)when the cable (4) contacts the flange members (158).
 49. The cablemanager part (120) of claim 44, wherein the grounding arrangement (150)includes four grounding members (152).
 50. The cable manager part (120)of claim 43, wherein each of the plurality of flange members (158)extends between a first end (158 a) and a second end (158 b), the secondend (158 b) having a radiused profile.
 51. The cable manager part (120)of claim 45, wherein the flange member (158) extends at an oblique angleto the sidewall member (156).
 52. The cable manager part (120) of claim45, wherein the sidewall member (156) is connected to the flange member(158) at a first end (156 a) and extends to a second end (156 b) havinga radiused profile.
 53. A method for assembling a connector assembly(110) including: a. providing a connector part (112) defining a fronthousing (118) having a jack cavity (114); b. providing a cable managerpart (120) including a rear housing (140) and a grounding arrangement(150) including a plurality of separate grounding members (152), thegrounding arrangement (150) being for providing a grounding connectionbetween a sheath (5) of an inserted cable (4) and the connector part(112); c. securing each of the grounding members (152) to an end wall(140 a) the rear housing (140); and d. securing the front housing (118)to the rear housing (140).
 54. The method of claim 53, furtherincluding: a. the step of inserting the cable (4) into the connectorpart (120) such that flange members (158) of each grounding member (152)contact an exposed sheath (5) of the cable.
 55. The method of claim 54,wherein the step of inserting the cable (4) includes inserting the cable(4) into the connector part (120) such that sidewall members (56) ofeach grounding member (152) additionally contact the exposed sheath (5)of the cable.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the step of insertingthe cable (4) includes initially inserting the cable (4) at an obliqueangle to a longitudinal axis of the grounding arrangement (150).
 57. Themethod of claim 54, wherein the step of inserting the cable (4) includesthe flange members (158) contacting the exposed sheath (5) at twoseparate locations.
 58. A connector assembly (10, 10) comprising: a. aconnector part (12, 112) defining a front housing (18, 118) having ajack cavity (14, 114); b. a cable manager part (20, 120) including: i. arear housing (40, 140) defining a central aperture (40 b, 140 b) throughwhich a cable (4) having an exposed conductive element (5) can extend;ii. a grounding part (50, 150) secured to at least the rear housing (40,140), the grounding part (50, 150) providing grounding contact betweenthe cable conductive element (5) and the connector part (12, 112),wherein the grounding part (50, 150) includes a plurality of flangemembers (50 c, 158) extending at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axisof the connector assembly (10, 100).
 59. The connector assembly (10,100) of claim 58, wherein the grounding part (50, 150) defines a centralaperture (50 b, 150 a) through which the cable (4) can extend.
 60. Theconnector assembly (10, 100) of claim 58, wherein the grounding part(50, 150) flange members (50 c, 158) are integrally formed with aportion of the grounding part (50, 150) connecting the grounding part(50, 150) to the rear housing (40, 140).
 61. The connector assembly (10,100) of claim 58, wherein the grounding part (50, 150) includes fourflange members (50 c, 158).
 62. The connector assembly (10) of claim 58,wherein each of the flange members (50 c, 158) includes a main portion(50 d, 158) and a tip portion (50 f, 158 b) extending at an obliqueangle from the main portion (50 d, 158).